How to easily get your Food Handlers License in NYC: A complete guide

Having a Food Handlers License is essential for starting a business in New York. Ready to kickstart your culinary career in NYC? Check some tips to secure your food handlers license and ensure your success in the kitchen!

Ready to grow your restaurant business in NYC? Before getting started, it’s important to ensure that your restaurant is adhering to the local licenses and permits required. This first starts with a food handlers license.

To obtain a food handler’s license in New York City, you first want to start with a Food Protection Course offered by the NYC Health Academy. This course is designed to train any team members in food protection to ensure the safety of the food served in the city’s food establishments.

The NYC Health Code mandates that there be at least one supervisor certified in food protection on site any time a food service establishment and non-retail food processing establishment is operating. The course is available both in-person and online, and upon successful completion and passing of the final exam, you will receive your certification.

Here are a few simple steps to get started with a food handler’s license in NYC:

1. Register for the Food Protection Course

Before securing your food handler’s permit, you’ll want to ensure that you’re registered for related food protection courses and prepared for the costs associated:

• Purpose: This course is designed to train individuals in food protection practices to ensure the safety of the food served in restaurants in NYC.
• Estimated Cost: The in-person course costs $114. The online course is free, but there is a fee of $24.60 for the final exam.
• Instructions: You can register for the in-person course here. The online course can be accessed here. The course is self-paced, consisting of 15 lessons. You must complete each lesson and pass a quiz before moving on to the next lesson.

2. Take the Final Exam

• Purpose: The final exam is required to receive your certification in food protection.
• Estimated Cost: The final exam fee is included in the in-person course fee. For the online course, the final exam fee is $24.60.
• Instructions: The final exam must be taken in person at the NYC Health Academy, Riverside Health Center, 160 West 100th Street, Third Floor, Manhattan. You will be prompted to schedule an exam appointment once you successfully complete the course.

3. Receive Your Certification

• Purpose: The certification verifies that you have completed the Food Protection Course and passed the final exam.
• Estimated Cost: There is no additional cost to receive your certification.
• Instructions: Upon passing the final exam, you will be issued a temporary Food Protection Certificate. If you lose or damage your certificate, you can schedule an appointment to replace it here.

Once you’ve followed these steps, you’re well on your way to building a new food business in NYC. Explore our additional sources to learn more about food permit and license requirements:

Useful Information Source Links:

• Official Website
• Health Academy Information
• Online Registration
• Health Academy FAQ page
• Food Protection Course Training Manual
• FAQs

FAQs about Food Handlers License

What Languages is the Food Protection Course Offered In?

The online course is offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese. The in-person course is available in English, Spanish, and Bengali.

What If I Lose or Damage My Certificate?

You can schedule an appointment to replace it here.

Where Is The Final Exam Taken?

The final exam must be taken in person at the NYC Health Academy, Riverside Health Center, 160 West 100th Street, Third Floor, Manhattan.

How Long Is The In-Person Course?

The in-person course is 15 hours long, given over five days with each daily session being three hours long.

How Much Does The Course Cost?

The in-person course costs $114. The online course is free, but there is a $24.60 fee for the final exam.

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

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Sources: 

• NYC Health. Health Academy. https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/business/health-academy/food-protection-online-free.page
• NYC Health. Study Guide. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/rii/study-guide.pdf
• NYC Health. Food Protection Training Manual. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/rii/fpc-manual.pdf
• NYC My City. Food Protection Certificate. https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/food-protection-certificate
• NYC Health. Health Academy. http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/business/health-academy.page